Hip Hop, Spoken Word and Liberation (October 2017)

Hip Hop, Spoken Word and Liberation (October 2017)

189.00

Do you have deep concerns about our social, political, economic realities? Do you want to develop your perspective beyond reactionary opinions, and be more informed than media pundits and the trolls online? You aren’t alone in these turbulent times. Together, we’ll take a critical look at society, and find our voices through creative writing, an examination of history, Hip Hop culture and dialogue.

Every day, we’re overwhelmed by the media telling us what to believe. Many of us worry for our safety, the safety of our loved ones, and people who are the potential targets of hate crimes as a result of rising fascism. But how can we free ourselves and be more informed, powerful thinkers?

In this class, we’ll learn from a veteran anti-fascist organizer, who will open our eyes to what has been useful in the past, what can be effective currently and what mistakes to avoid. In honest discussions, we’ll explore the intersections between capitalism, the prison industrial complex, the military industrial complex, entertainment, and dominant culture. We’ll discover that hip-hop and poetry are vital tools in staying conscious and empowered.

Let’s take a critical look at the time we live in, and discuss some of the threats to our peace and safety that exists in our communities. Together, we will explore the social, political, and economic realities we face in society through creative writing, history, Hip Hop culture and dialogue. Collectively, we will explore questions, solutions, and possibilities for the future.

Week 1. Introduction, overview, dialogue. Critical context about this moment in history. Birth of Hip Hop, and the death of the middle class.

Week 4. Power of the word, consciousness, intent and politics of using Hip Hop and poetry as a tool and a weapon.

Crenshaw was voted Portland’s Best Hip Hop Artist in 2016 and is one of the most respected artists in the Northwest. In addition to his highly-acclaimed work in spoken word and rap, Mic co-founded GlobalFam and Education Without Borders, to create and maintain a computer center for youth in Burundi, Africa. Over 400 people have received free training.